Alran agreed and they arranged to leave within a week. Alran told his associates that he would be taking a wagon to Urnst to obtain a shipment of wine. Thus they had a wagon and an excuse. Madylene told her superiors of the wagon and driver donation and got the children ready. By week's end, they were traveling to the Gold County in Furyondy.
"At this point, you know the rest of the story, Fallon" he sighed.
"Alran, that is an amazing story. It seems that you are blessed with luck and I will do what I can to help. Now rest."
Alran closed his eyes and fell fast asleep. I returned to my own quarters. I took out a quill and several sheets of parchment and began to write. When I finished, I had two letters. I called for two of my guardsmen, Ranon and Oldrem. Once they arrived, I addressed them individually.
"Ranon, take this letter and this signet ring to Countess Kyaren Rhavelle in the Gold County. Oldrem take this amulet and go to the location shown on the envelope. Make haste men."
That evening both Alran and Madylene came down for dinner. Luckily, Thorain and Lady Ironheart had departed in the afternoon. While I was sad to see them go, I realized that an extended stay would have been too much. I ordered a large dinner for the whole group to keep everyone in good spirits. After dinner was finished, I addressed them.
"I'm sure you're all wondering what will happen next? We depart in the morning. We will catch an early ferry into Furyondy. From there, we will split into two groups. Alran, Axel and I will head west, while the rest of you head to Libernen. It is for safety that we split up. Don't worry, we will all meet up again in Libernen once our deception has played through. Now I would suggest retiring early since morning always comes earlier than expected."
By the light of the rising sun, we loaded the children into the wagon with Madylene. A Bargeman ferried them across for 100 orbs. The crossing was quite nice as the water was calm and the sun shined. They arrived in the town of Walthain by mid-afternoon.
"Friends, this is where we split up." I said after we disembarked. "Madylene, you and the children will have my men and Kylie as escorts. My party will meet up with you in a week. We'll have some people to meet in the interim."
After a tearful exchange of hugs and kisses, Alran reluctantly wheeled his horse around and we headed west.
We stuck to the back roads and within a day, we entered the northern part of the Gnarley Forest. When dusk fell, we stopped and made camp. As we prepared dinner, a small band of woodsmen entered our encampment.
"Thread lightly under the oaks" said their leader.
"And may your arrows always fly straight" I replied with a smile. I reached out my hand in friendship. "It is good to see you again Captain Rondalf."
He shook my hand and replied, "It has been a very long time. The Countess has instructed me to make sure that your travels are safe from prying eyes. She is very excited to see you again"
"It is good to see the Green Jerkins are still diligent in their duties. After all, I did help form them."
"Always at your service, Master Fallon" answered Rondalf with a slight bow.
The woodsmen made their way back into the forest and disappeared. We slept well, knowing that we were safe from prying eyes. In the morning, we broke camp and traveled further west. Soon we exited the forest and entered a region known as the Rhavelle holdings. These lands were pleasant grasslands and small groves. They were maintained with game and trespassers were not welcome without direct invitation by Countess Kyaren Rhavelle.
We traveled a few more hours until we reached a small road that lead to a sprawling manor house. As we headed down the road, we passed several groups of guardsmen who waved us through with only a glance. Good, I thought, we are expected.
As we rode into the manor's courtyard, several servants approached us and helped us with our horses and traveling baggage. They lead the horses to the stables and took our baggage inside via a side entrance. A group of three woman stood in the main entrance to the manor.
"Sir Fallon Oakenhart of Korbin, it has been a very long time," said Countess Kyaren Rhavelle.
Axel turned to me. "Sir Fallon Oakenhart of Korbin?"
I smiled. "It was a title I earned at Emridy Meadows from the Viscount of Verbobonc, for services on that battlefield. I gave the land back to the local inhabitants and the church of Pelor. As for the title, I rarely ever use it. Kyaren, I mean, the Countess finds it amusing."
She was dressed in a long flowing silk gown of cascading emerald and magenta colors. Two ladies in waiting were behind her carrying her train. Rhavelle, while almost forty, still possessed the beauty and grace of a twenty-year-old.
"With your arrival, at least I can have an intelligent conversation rather than the usual dismal droning that seems to infect my court. I see that you still haven't improved your company much; a vagabond sell-sword and a pilgrim."
I bowed and kissed her hand. Kyaren almost smiled but quickly hid her pleasure at the gesture.
"Countess, it is always a pleasure to see you. This is my student Ranger Axel Johand, and this young man is Alran, who I wrote to you about."
Both men made a courteous bow.
"Really, I was expecting much more from your description." she said looking at Alran. "Well, Fallon, you and I have a lot to catch up on. Walk with me and we will have an early dinner. Adrianna, please take these two men to their quarters and make dinner arrangements for them"

Changes of the Heart: Part V